The parents of late Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old girl whose decomposing body was found in the trunk of a vehicle registered to D4vd, have called for justice in their first public statement.
Celeste Rivas ‘ family issue statement
As per NBC Los Angeles, the family, through their attorney, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, began by saying, “We would like to thank the Los Angeles Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office for their hard work. We would also like to thank the people of Lake Elsinore for all their support.”The family paid tribute the teen victim, saying, “Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday was movie night and we spent wonderful times together. We love her very much and she always told us that she loved us. We miss her deeply. All we want is Justice for Celeste.”
Why Celeste Rivas’ family delayed statement
According to the family’s lawyer, Patrick Steinfeld, the victim’s family had originally planned to release the statement following the hearing on Monday, where D4vd pleaded ‘not guilty’. However, those plans were delayed due to safety concerns after an alleged bomb threat was reported.The family was also reportedly, “devastated after hearing the gruesome details that came out” during the hearing and had been “exhausted, emotionally drained, and needed time to compose themselves.”
Why D4vd allegedly murdered celeste
As per reports, District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that D4vd allegedly murdered Celeste, “When she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career.” He added, “Burke allegedly murdered her, cut up her body and stuffed her body in two bags that were placed in the front trunk of his car.”Hochman said Celeste’s mutilated corpse sat rotting for four months until it was discovered. “This horrific and gruesome murder committed by the charged sexual predator is shocking and appalling. To Celeste’s loved ones: we will get the justice you seek and deserve.”
About the murder case
The Tesla, which was registered to Burke in Texas, had been parked on the street in the upscale Hollywood Hills for around a month before it was towed. But investigators believe Celeste’s remains may have been in the front trunk for much longer.“The condition of her remains delayed the medical examiner’s ability to be able to determine cause of death,” Los Angeles police chief Jim McDonnell told the press conference. “The substantial amount of time that passed between her death and the discovery meant that crucial evidence had degraded or disappeared.”Burke faces one count each of first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Burke was ordered to appear in court again on Thursday. He remains in custody.The case remains under investigation.
